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NEW JUDGE SWORN IN

Resident Magistrate Polo Banyane was on Thursday this week sworn in as the new acting Judge of the High Court.

The swearing-in ceremony was held at the High Court in the Chief Justice’s chamber.

Being led by Judge Thamsanqa Nomcgongo to take an oath of office, Judge Banyane said she shall administer justice to all persons alike without fear, favour or prejudice according to the laws of Lesotho.

After she signed an oath of office, Judge Nomcgongo on behalf of the Chief Justice and all Judges welcomed Judge Banyane, saying she joins a very small bench of Judges who are faced with a mammoth task of administering justice hence expressed hope that Judge Banyane will devote her time in helping deal with that task.

Speaking after the ceremony, Acting Registrar of the High Court and Court of Appeal, Advocate Ponts’o Phafoli said Judge Banyane joins the Judge’s bench following the passing away of Judge ‘Maseforo Mahase.

Advocate Phafoli added that the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) in its sitting advised that Justice Banyane be appointed as Acting Judge to come and help the High Court with a bag log of cases as the passing away of Judge Hlajoane has left the court with a huge gap while on the other hand, some Judges are due for retirement and can no longer be allocated cases.

Judge Banyane’s appointment brings the number of High Court Judges to 13.

Judge Banyane, who is in her late 30s hails from Qacha’s nek district and worked as a Magistrate since 2005.

She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree qualification and is currently perusing Master of Laws (LLM) degree.